Tomoki Iwata on Matt O’Riley’s ‘tank’ comments; Celtic midfielder reveals training inspiration

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic midfielder Tomoki Iwata has opened up on those infamous Matt O’Riley ‘tank’ comments.

Iwata clearly impressed O’Riley with his physique and in an interview with Celtic TV, Iwata has revealed the inspiration behind his training regime.

When asked about O’Riley’s comments Iwata laughed, “That’s too exaggerated!

“But the truth is I feel too uncomfortable not being at the gym. I also want to be even more stronger and faster.

“In this team, there are a lot of players who are very strong and fast so to compete against them I need to improve more.So I want to be more ‘tank’.”

Iwata’s comments will please the Celtic manager

Iwata’s comments are sure to please Ange Postecoglou. The Celtic boss has always been adamant that players should always look to improve and not get too comfortable just because they are in the first team.

The former J League MVP has already made eight first-team league appearances for Celtic this season including a thirty-minute cameo against Rangers in the 3-2 win at Celtic Park.

Ange Postecoglou has been really astute in managing Iwata’s integration into the Celtic team. After completing a full season in the J League, Postecoglou will be keen to avoid another Reo Hatate scenario where he admitted to becoming burnt out last season.

The Japanese midfielder has already shown his quality with limited first-team minutes and I cannot wait to see what he can deliver next year with a full pre-season under his belt.